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Breakout And Retest On Futures: ES, NQ And Crude Oil |
Written by Renan Filho, Technology & AI specialist. Expiry dates and activation fees are always visible.
Quick Answer: Breakout and retest works on ES, NQ, and crude oil. You let price break a key level, then wait for a pullback to retest it. If it holds, you enter with a tight stop. This strategy fits prop firm accounts because you can manage risk precisely. Here is how to trade it on each futures contract.
Key Facts for US Traders (2026)
| Market | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones | NYSE / NASDAQ |
| Regulator | CFTC (futures) / SEC (securities) | Official |
| Prop firm model | Funded evaluations with profit split 70-95% | Vendor terms |
| Verification | Updated regularly | PropFirmDiscountApp |
| Best deal today | Code DISCOUNTAPP — up to 90% off | Updated regularly |
What Is Breakout and Retest on Futures?
Breakout and retest is a classic price action setup. Price breaks above resistance or below support with strong momentum. Then it pulls back and retests that level. If the level holds as new support or resistance, you enter. Place your stop just beyond the breakout point. This works on 15-minute to 1-hour charts. Use it on ES, NQ, and crude oil for high probability trades. Many funded traders use this strategy because it offers clear risk management.
Trading ES (S&P 500) with Breakout and Retest
ES has high liquidity and tight spreads. Breakouts on the 15-minute chart work well. Look for key levels like previous day high or low. When ES breaks and retests, the move can be 5-10 points. Use a stop of 2-3 points. Prop firms like FTMO allow 1:1 risk-reward easily. Avoid trading during FOMC news. Stick to the cash session for best results.
Trading NQ (Nasdaq) with Breakout and Retest
NQ is more volatile than ES. Breakouts happen often but false breakouts are common. Wait for a clean retest with a candlestick confirmation. Use a 5-minute chart for entries. Risk 2-3 points per trade. NQ moves fast, so keep your stops tight. Apex is a good firm for NQ traders because they allow high risk limits. Always check the market structure first.
Trading Crude Oil (CL) with Breakout and Retest
Crude oil has strong trends but can whip. Breakout retest works well on the 1-hour chart. Key levels are prior swing highs and lows. When crude breaks, the retest often gives a quick move. Use a stop of 0.10-0.15 cents. Topstep's evaluation is strict on daily loss limits, so manage your size. Trade during the London or US open for liquidity.
Prop Firms and Breakout Retest Strategy
You can use breakout retest with any prop firm. FTMO is a solid firm with clear rules. Their 100k evaluation costs $540. Use code TRADER10 for 10% off, paying only $486. Click here: https://ftmo.com/evaluation?code=TRADER10. Apex is a good deal for scaling, but their trailing drawdown can hurt. Topstep is worth it for the training. FundedNext offers flexible targets. True Forex Funds has fast payouts. The5ers is great for consistency. E8 Markets has low fees. Pick one that fits your style.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ES | NQ | Crude Oil (CL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tick Size | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.01 |
| Tick Value | $12.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Average Daily Range | 30-50 points | 100-200 points | 1.00-2.00 dollars |
| Best Trading Session | 9:30-11:30 ET | 9:30-11:30 ET | 8:30-10:00 ET |
| Typical Stop Distance | 2-3 points | 2-3 points | 0.10-0.20 dollars |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time frame for breakout retest on ES?
15-minute and 1-hour charts work best. Avoid lower timeframes due to noise.
How to avoid false breakouts on NQ?
Wait for a retest and a candlestick close beyond the level. Use volume to confirm.
Can I use breakout retest with prop firm rules?
Yes, as long as you respect their drawdown limits. Keep stops tight.
What is the maximum risk per trade on crude oil?
Most traders risk 0.10-0.20 cents per barrel. That equals $100-$200 per contract.
Which prop firm allows most flexibility for futures?
FTMO and Topstep offer the most flexibility. FTMO has no time limit on evaluation.
Conclusion
Breakout and retest is a reliable strategy for ES, NQ, and crude oil. Combine it with a funded account from FTMO. Use code TRADER10 for 10% off. Start your evaluation today and trade with confidence.
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Risk warning: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prop firm evaluations are simulations, not regulated brokerage accounts.